Secondary menu

Search form

Does selection for gamete dispersal and capture lead to a sex difference in clump water-holding capacity?

Title

Does selection for gamete dispersal and capture lead to a sex difference in clump water-holding capacity?

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

2016

Journal

American journal of botany

Volume

103

Issue

8

Pagination

1449-57

ISSN

0002-9122

Abstract

Differences in male and female reproductive function can lead to selection for sex-specific gamete dispersal and capture traits. These traits have been explored from shoot to whole plant levels in wind-pollinated species. While shoot traits have been explored in water-fertilized species, little is known about how whole plant morphology affects gamete dispersal and capture. We used the dioecious, water-fertilized plant Bryum argenteum to test for differences in clump morphology and water-holding characteristics consistent with divergent selection. We hypothesized that sex-specific clump morphology, arising at maturity, produces relatively low male water-holding capacity for gamete dispersal and high female capacity for gamete capture.